89. Last will and testament of Francesco di Marco Datini

Francesco di Marco Datini died on 16 August 1410. On 31 July of the same year he laid down his testamentary wishes, entrusting the drafting of his will, also in the vernacular, to notary and trusted friend Ser Lapo Mazzei. A long process of reflection led the heirless merchant to conceive the bequest of his goods to the poor of the land of Prato. This materialised into the testament which established a lay body of assistance for the poor of Prato, the Ceppo dei poveri di Francesco di Marco. It was to be administered by four men, the best and most honest in the land of Prato, with its headquarters in Palazzo Datini.

(Chiara Marcheschi)